The Running Fence Run: A Run of Freedom
On September 12, 2026, runners return to the stunning Sonoma County hills to celebrate two milestone anniversaries:
The 50th anniversary of Christo & Jeanne-Claude's Running Fence art installation — September 10-24, 1976
The 2,516th anniversary of the Battle of Marathon — September 12, 490 BC
The Connection Between Art and Running
In September 1976, artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude stretched a 24.5-mile ribbon of white fabric across the hills of Sonoma and Marin counties — for just two weeks. That distance echoes the original marathon: the ancient Greek messenger Pheidippides ran from Marathon to Athens to announce a stunning military victory, one that saved the cradle of democracy. That run inspired the marathon we race today.
Christo fled communist Bulgaria in 1957, seeking freedom in the West. He called the Running Fence "a scream of freedom" — art that answered to no one, funded entirely by the artists themselves, rippling in the open California wind.
Featured in Runner's World magazine (Nov. 1976), a few runners ran the length of the fence, including Christo's fabric supplier, Bob Urie, a marathoner who helped organize the 1976 New York City Marathon.
Like a long run, freedom takes endurance, courage, and the willingness to go the distance.
Choose your challenge — 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, or full 26.2 — and run through the same beautiful landscape where the Running Fence once stood.
We are proud to announce the 51st Fitch Mountain Footrace This annual family fun run raises money for Corazón Healdsburg and kids running team. This community event is a fun morning gathering for families to enjoy activities together. Two members of the Healdsburg Running Club Miguel and Marisela Peña are the Co-Race Directors along with HRC’s Skip Brand. Fitch Mountain Footrace 3K & 10K takes a village. St. John Catholic School, Kiwanis Club of Healdsburg, and Empire Runners to ensure just as many kids run as adults. We’re excited to work with Costeaux French Bakery, State Farm, Old Caz and Fitch Mountain Dental, where every one who wants to run, can run.The run takes place in the Heart of Sonoma Wine Country at Healdsburg, California. Both the 10K and 3K courses begin and end near the Historic Downtown Plaza. Come and enjoy a day in the wine country with great restaurants, world class wineries, and the beautiful Russian River. The 51 year old 10K course travels through quaint
neighborhoods and then out around Fitch Mountain along the Russian River, finally ending back downtown. The 3K course is an in-town loop, and is fairly flat – perfect for runners, walkers and families with young kids and/or dogs. Register in Groups: 1. The first person goes through regular registration – at checkout click "Add Participant" 2. This takes you back to the main page where the next person can be added by clicking the green "Register" button.3. Each runner needs to be added (for the waiver etc...), but they can all be billed on one card. Packet Pickup Fri & Sat Noon - 5 pmRace Day 6:30 amat the Healdsburg Running Company333 Center Street Photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/mclucid/albums/72177720317986554/ Event's current local time: 1:32 AM PT
The Sixth Annual Lake Sonoma Rosé Mile Downhill
You have been personally invited by the Healdsburg Running Company to participate in the sixth annual Lake Sonoma Rosé Mile Downhill! This event is a fun-only zone – No pressure! Additional awards will go out to: Best Smile and Best Rosé-Inspired Costume! Breakfast party at the finish line, located at Gray Pine Trailhead. Benefits the Children of Vineyard Workers Scholarship Fund. Course Description: This one-mile course will be a 100% downhill road course down Madrone to the water. We will meet at the Liberty Glen Campground and walk a short distance to the start line from campground E. The start gun will go off at 9 am and runners will embark on a one-mile journey to set the world record for fastest Rosé Mile! Every 1/4 mile runners must stop at the "Rosé Aid Stations" to hydrate with a pour of rosé before continuing down to the finish where we will be serving fresh snacks and of course, more rosé! Come on out for the funnest, most exclusive running event of the summer!
Event's current local time: 1:23 AM PT
Welcome to the Sonoma Fall Classic
Leveling Up with Aravaipa Running To truly do justice to these trails, I knew we needed to level up the entire production of the event. That’s why I am thrilled to be partnering with Jamil Coury and the team at Aravaipa Running. When we were looking for a partner to help us realize this vision, Aravaipa stood out for their commitment to producing exceptional races while maintaining a “runner-first” philosophy. With Jamil’s guidance and Aravaipa’s expertise, we are prioritizing the runner’s experience above all else. Our goal is to ensure you feel supported, celebrated, and taken care of by an organization that truly knows what they are doing. We believe that putting the production in Aravaipa’s hands is the best way to ensure every runner has a world-class experience on these trails. A Course Built from Local Knowledge Living at Lake Sonoma means I’ve had the chance to learn every technical descent and every relentless climb. For the 100-milers, the course features over 25,000 feet of vertical gain, including exclusive access to Pritchett Peaks, a section of trail closed to the public almost all year. For those returning for the “OG” Lake Sonoma 50, we are going back to the roots with the iconic 2008-style start at the South Lake Trailhead. Whether you’re tackling the 100, the 50, or the Marathon, you’re going to experience world-class singletrack during the height of Wine Country’s harvest season. More Than Just a Race Alongside Tropical John, Skip Brand and the Healdsburg Running Company, we are creating a festival-style atmosphere that goes beyond the finish line. We’ll have live-streaming coverage so your friends and family can follow the journey, and a finish line celebration featuring local food, beer, and wine. Most importantly, the Sonoma Fall Classic continues our tradition of giving back. Proceeds support the Children of Vineyard Workers Scholarship Fund, ensuring that our love for these trails directly benefits the local community that makes Sonoma County so special. See you on the trails!Sam Karthan Race Director, Sonoma Fall Classic
Event's current local time: 1:50 AM PT
Tri to Inspire, formerly the DJFE Triathlon Race Series, was created to introduce the sport of triathlon to the Sonoma County community in a welcoming, inclusive way. This short-distance event is open to all abilities and is ideal for first-time triathletes and families looking to experience a fun, supportive race environment together.
Athletes may choose between two distance options. The Mini Sprint includes a 100-yard pool swim, a 3-mile bike, and a 1-mile run. The Sprint distance features a 400-yard pool swim, a 9-mile bike, and a 3.1-mile run. Tri to Inspire is a non-competitive, untimed event designed to help participants complete their first triathlon—or simply enjoy the experience without pressure. More experienced athletes are also encouraged to participate and will find a positive, community-focused atmosphere. The race begins with a pool swim at the Finley Aquatic Center, followed by a flat, family- and beginner-friendly bike and run course along the Santa Rosa Creek Trail.
Each athlete’s registration includes a custom finisher medal, swim cap, and athlete goody bag. Proceeds benefit Inspiration Sports Foundation, a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit supporting youth in Sonoma County through sports camps and fitness-based programs.
Ready to push your limits and live an unforgettable experience?🤩 Come join the Santa Rosa Marathon! If you're passionate about running, whether you are a sprint enthusiast or an experienced marathoner, there's a distance for every runner: from the 5K to the marathon.🏃♂️
October 18, 2026
The 2026 Cloverdale Vineyard Races 5K & 10K offer a scenic run through the heart of Northern Sonoma County, starting and finishing at the Cloverdale Airport. Runners will enjoy peaceful country roads, gentle rolling hills, and beautiful views of the surrounding wine country landscape.
Whether you’re pushing the pace in the 10K or enjoying a relaxed 5K, both courses deliver a welcoming, small-town race experience with fresh air and wide-open scenery. With vineyards and picturesque countryside as your backdrop, this event captures the essence of running in Sonoma County.
After the race, celebrate your accomplishment with a pancake breakfast prepared by the Cloverdale Kiwanis club.
1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.
Cindy is a mother, a wife, a friend who received this diagnosis.
So, we race.
We race for awareness.
We race for the 1 in 8.
We race for the survivors.
We race for Cindy.
We race for breast cancer.
Join your hosts, the Cloverdale Rotary Club, for the 18th annual Asti Tour de Vine, a 25k, 50k, 100k, 100m (century) bicycle tour. The tour takes place in Northern Sonoma County, California’s breathtaking wine country. October is the perfect season for a bike tour in the beautiful Alexander & Dry Creek. Ride on uncrowded routes through charming rural valleys, past autumn-hued vineyards, alongside the meandering Russian River, and on pathways overlooking Lake Sonoma. We have many rides to choose from, including the easy carefree 25k for the beginner rider and our extreme 100 mile challenge we call the Rockpile Rumble. Along the way, enjoy our harvest-themed rest stops and healthy foods and snacks which are included with your registration, SAG support too. At the end of your ride, a bountiful luncheon, prepared by the Cloverdale Rotary Club, served wiith wine from our local wine sponsor, and beer from Sierra Nevada Brewery. This delicious lunch is included in each riders paid registration.
Additional lunches can be purchased for $35.00 for family and friends during the online registration process. A big shout out to our corporate sponsors; CalPine, Catellis Italian Restaurant, Cloverdale Citrus Fair, Sierra Nevada!
Event details and schedule
October 11, 2026
Join us on October 11, 2026 for the Clo Cow Half Marathon, 10K & 5K in charming Historic Downtown Petaluma! Wind your way through picturesque Sonoma County farmland and rolling hills, where friendly sheep, horses—and of course Moo-Cows—will cheer you on every step of the way. Sure, those climbs are a challenge, but the sweeping country views at the top are well worth the effort!